Exposure to air pollution is now increasingly recognized as a major public health issue. It is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity, contributing to 6.5 million deaths and 167.3 million disability-adjusted life years. Several pollutants, including particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), are known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). This oxidative stress triggers an immune response, which, in turn, can harm cellular structures. Another critical mechanism through which air pollution influences neurological disorders is the blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairment. Prolonged exposure to air pollution can alter gene expression related to the BBB’s integrity and functionality, thereby increasing its permeability.
Diseases due to Air Pollution
Memory loss
The study revealed that elderly adults exposed to high levels of PM showed significant cognitive decline, particularly those predisposed to Alzheimer’s disease. Pollution can lead to the accumulation of neurotoxic metals and beta-amyloid plaques, associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It leads to rapid memory loss. Unfortunately in many patients memory loss is more seen due to decreased attention and concentration.
To Protect your Memory- Click Here
Depression
Depression, a widespread and debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, has been increasingly linked to air pollution. Studies suggest that components of air pollution such as nitrogen oxides, particulate matter (PM), and sulfur dioxide contribute to this condition. These pollutants can induce oxidative stress, leading to inflammation in the brain and subsequent structural changes that may precipitate depressive symptoms
Anxiety Caused by Air Pollution
Anxiety disorders, characterized by excessive worry or fear that disrupts daily life, can also be exacerbated by air pollution. Pollutants may trigger the body’s stress response systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), leading to heightened anxiety symptoms. Several hormones are produced without the proper necessity to fight and flight causing an increase in heart rate and panic situations.
Parkinson
Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is closely linked to pollution, as research has shown, PD, characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the brain, results in motor symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and balance issues. Recent studies suggest a potential connection between air pollution and an increased PD risk. In many patients, the symptoms are found in early life. These decrease the life span.
Save yourself from Parkinson’s Disease- Read More…
Autism
The rising concern about air pollution has underscored its potential impact on public health, particularly regarding its link to neurological disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD, a developmental disability marked by social interaction and communication difficulties, as well as repetitive behaviors, is increasingly viewed in the context of environmental health. Studies suggest that air quality may play a significant role in the development of ASD, prompting a closer examination of this relationship. Research has shown a correlation between prenatal exposure to air pollutants and an increased risk of ASD. That is a primary cause of the increase in autistic children in cities.
Strokes due to Air Pollution
There is now substantial evidence linking air pollution and cardiovascular diseases including stroke. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that both short- and long-term exposure to air pollution increases the risk of stroke. Controlled exposure studies in men and experimental studies have provided insight into the pathobiological mechanisms leading to the induction of endothelial dysfunction, atherosclerosis, platelet activation, and propensity for coagulation.
Many Indian cities have particulate material levels of air higher than the danger limits. The incidence of neurodegenerative diseases is increasing day by day. It’s high time we should form policies to increase urban jungle spread which can help decrease pollution.
Reference
Fu C, Kuang D, Zhang H, Ren J, Chen J. Different components of air pollutants and neurological disorders. Frontiers in Public Health. 2022 Nov 28;10:959921.
Leave a Reply